Love Is Always Write Volume 4

stoplight.
    "Do I want to know why you did this?"
    Jory shrugged. "I think you can guess. I'm really tired. Wake me up when we get where we're going." With that, Jory pulled Bob closer and rested his head on his shoulder. He looped an arm across Bob's waist.
    Bob felt like a deer in headlights, unable to relax under Mr. Takara's stare. He looked away and pretended to focus on the scenery. As they headed nearer the lights of downtown, however, Bob found himself sinking closer toward Jory. He could not resist resting his head atop Jory's soft hair.
    "How long have you worked for B of A, Mr. Davis?"
    Bob glanced at the mirror, impressed. "It sounds like you already know. How did you find us?"
    "Jordan's phone is not as secure as he likes to believe. Unfortunately, I had to wait until he made a call to locate him after he left the Snyder residence. I was only minutes late arriving there."
    "Thanks for trying."
    "Was that sarcasm?"
    "No, seriously, that Snyder is messed up."
    "So is his father. We have been rivals since childhood, and now we work for opposing corporations. His methods have always been less than aboveboard, and now his son is stepping over the line. I will have many things to say to his father about such behavior. Kidnapping?" Mr. Takara made a sound of disgust and shook his head.
    The car sped up as it entered freeway traffic and they were silent for a time as cars drifted past around them. The city was visible through the right hand windows and looked like a postcard image sparkling with multicolored lights in the darkness. Not for the first time, Bob felt a surge of pride at living in such a beautiful place.
    "When did you first know that you… preferred the same sex?"
    Bob was surprised at Mr. Takara's question. He felt Jory's hand tighten on his hip and knew he was only pretending to sleep.
    "When did I choose to be gay, you mean?" Bob asked and rolled his eyes. "It was never a choice. When I was eight years old, I met a boy named Gary. He was lovely, and I wanted him to kiss me. I never felt that way about any of the girls. I remember being confused as I got older and was told I wasn't allowed to have such feelings for boys. That it wasn't natural . It's natural for me and always has been."
    "How does your father feel about it?"
    "He died when I was four." It was something of a relief to know that Mr. Takara's information had holes. He obviously knew quite a bit about Bob, but not everything. He supposed it would be hard to learn all the details in a few short hours. Full background checks took longer, even online.
    "I'm sorry."
    "It's all right; you don't really miss what you never had. And my mom is great."
    "Jordan's mother died several years ago. I sometimes think this would be easier if she were still alive. I have made… mistakes."
    Jory tensed, and Bob stroked a thumb across his hand in a soothing gesture. Bob did not know how to reply to that, so he said nothing. They lapsed into silence as the downtown exit approached. Mr. Takara's attention was fixed on traffic and avoiding the pedestrians that crowded the crosswalks. The weather might have been prohibitive, but it was still Saturday night; people were out in droves.
    The car pulled up before their apartment building, and Jory sat up and reached for the door handle.
    "Jordan. You are a very fine artist, and I miss not having you on my team. I also… miss you . Will you come to dinner tomorrow so that we may discuss things? Mr. Davis—Robert—is welcome to join us."
    Jory's hand froze on the door handle and then he said, "Yeah. Yeah, I'd like that." He leaned forward suddenly and wrapped his father in an awkward hug, hampered by the car seat and headrest. "Thanks, Dad."
    Mr. Takara squeezed Jory's hand and Bob felt a lump in his throat as he exited the car. He walked a few feet away to give them some privacy, and then Jory left the car and stood in the street for a moment as it drove away.
    "Did my father just endorse our relationship?" he asked in an amazed tone.
    Bob laughed even as his heart leapt at the word. "Yeah, I think so."
    "This has been an amazing day."
    "The amazing-est," Bob said in agreement.
    Jory joined him on the sidewalk and took his hand. "Like to try for even more amazing?"
    "I dare you," Bob replied.
    ****
    Mariah sat on the countertop, almost seeming to welcome them back. Bob smiled when he saw the spiny cactus. In a way, she had brought them together.
    "Mariah!" Jory cried and picked up the pot. He beamed at the